Question 4: share results with the class and compare TC50 for seed germination following exposure to the

various test substances. What can you say about the toxicity of the test substances and what may be the factors affecting germination?

coffee G11
110 100 90 Response (%) 80 70 60 50 0 0.5 1 1.5 Log-dose 2 2.5 3

coffee G15
110 100 90 Response (%) 80 70 60 50 0 0.5 1 1.5 Log-dose 2 2.5 3

fertilizer G12
120 100 80 Response (%) 60 40 20 0 0 0.5 1 Log-dose 1.5 2 2.5

fertilizer G18
110 100 90 Response (%) 80 70 60 50 0 0.5 1 1.5 Log-dose 2 2.5 3

window cleaner G13

120 100 80 Response (%) 60 40 20 0 0 0.5 1 1.5 Log-dose 2 2.5 3

window cleaner G17

120 100 80 Response (%) 60 40 20 0 0 0.5 1 1.5 Log-dose 2 2.5 3

salt G14
140 120 100 80 60 Response (%) 40 20 0 -20 -40 -60 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3

TC50 = Ln 1.8
Log-dose

TC50 = Ln 1.8 = 0.588 %

salt G16
120 100 80 60 40 Response (%) 20 0 -20 -40 -60 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3

TC50 = Ln 0.9
Log-dose

TC50 = Ln 0.9 = 0.105 %

soda G19
110 100 90 Response (%) 80 70 60 50 0 0.5 1 1.5 Log-dose 2 2.5 3

soda G20
110 100 90 Response (%) 80 70 60 50 0 0.5 1 1.5 Log-dose 2 2.5 3

Comparison of TC50 for seed germination: From all the results, fertilizer from group 12 shows 100% germination. All the test substances show no toxic concentration, except for the salt, where the TC50 for group 14 is equal to 0.588 %, and TC50 for group 16 is equal to 0.105 %. This may be due to the properties of the salt that is hypertonic to the seeds. Thus, the seeds germination is arrested because lack of water.

Factors affecting germination: 1. Moisture or water - Water makes the seed coat soft, causes it to rupture after swelling and start germination 2. Oxygen - Needed in a large quantity for germination to occur. 3. Temperature - Optimum temperature for most of the crops is between 25 o C to 30o C 4. Light - Some seeds need light for germination, while in some seeds germination is hindered by light.

FERTILIZER GROUP 18

25%

0%

50%

6.25%

100%

12.5%